Angel Forbes Simmons | Season 3 | Episode 6 | From Fur to Fabulous

Angel Forbes Simmons is a FarmHer with a talent and heart that rise above. From the minute I stepped foot on her farm, Villa De Alpacas in Aquasco, Maryland I felt at home. Angel welcomed me to the farm and into her world. The farm has been handed down through the women in Angel’s family for five generations. This fact is not lost on her, and one she speaks proudly of. Angel herself did not grow up on the farm, but rather as an only child in Miami Beach, Florida. Her mother took her there frequently though and ensured that Angel had an understanding and love for the farm and what it has brought her family. While Angel moved through life in the medical industry, the farm started to suffer and when it called, she came home. Once there she set to work restoring the glory of the farmhouse and buildings and started studying about what she could use the land for that would provide her the income she needed to keep it thriving. Angel landed on Alpacas. She started out in the business by buying and selling the animals but then as the industry changed, Angle had to change with it. She then transitioned into working with the fiber from her animals, focusing on how the fiber is dyed and woven. Despite the changes and challenges she has met, today Angel creates some of the most beautiful masterpieces out of fur that I have ever seen.

On my day at Villa De Alpacas Angel and I started in the barn. She had to give a cria (young alpaca) a shot for an infection, showing off the care and concern that I so often see between a FarmHer and her livestock. We spent a few more minutes in the presence of the gentle creatures before she opened the doors and they poured out of the barn and out into the pasture where they would spend the day.

Our next stop was inside of Angel’s studio where she brings to life the beautiful creations made from the animal's fur. I couldn’t believe my eyes while looking at the gorgeous fabrics, all from the alpacas. The colors were absolutely stunning. From a turquoise that almost seemed electric to a pink that I couldn’t look away from, the fabrics were simply amazing. Angel explained that color is everything to her and that she spends a lot of time and effort working to dye the fur before weaving it on her felting loom.

We then headed over to the wood shop, a newer building on the farm, to meet Angel’s husband, Tom and see his own creations of wood. His shop specializes in restoration pieces for the historical buildings of the east coast, starting right there in the grand Victorian home at Villa De Alpacas farm.

We ended up our day in the historic home, eating a lovely lunch and then spending some time admiring Angel's works of art, all made from the fur of her alpacas. Angel has found a way to not only keep the farm in the family but to bring the farm to life through the delicate animals and vibrant hues of her works. Angel brings beauty to everything she touches; from the animals she raises to the finished product, she brings color to the word FarmHer.

7 Responses

Angel

October 19, 2018

The web site for Villa de Alpacas Farm is https://www.marylandalpacafarm.com. We have select Alpaca Blankets and a WAPF branded Alpaca Vest that can be purchased from our web site. We are in the process of building our online store, so more items will be added soon. Meanwhile, to purchase any other items that you see on our site, please call me at (301) 888-2742. Thank you!

Jane Hughes

October 15, 2018

Would like to know if she has a online business site.
Thank you

Lela Morgan

October 14, 2018

Would like to know if she sells her products on line. If so, can you send me the link. Thank you

Laura Dough

October 12, 2018

Beautiful products from the wool. Can you give me her web site to purchase her products if she has an online store

Ashley

October 12, 2018

I love this farm, Angel, Mittie and the alpaca. Not only is the history and devotion absolutely amazing, but the sheer selflessness of it all is just something you don’t see very often. To know such beautiful people on the inside and out and to know how much Angel loves and cares for them is unfathomable. Angel is full of talent and love. There are no blankets, scarves or kimonos like the ones Angel makes. The color, feel and quality are the absolute best! If your in the area you must see the house, farm, products, animals and beautiful women. I promise your heart Will Be full.

Katherine

October 12, 2018

This article is wonderful and gave great insight to the time, thoughtfulness and love she puts him to her animals, her home and her work. It Did not speak, however, to the spirit of generosity and warmth that presides over Angel. It is a blessing to be her friend. I am always so amazed and impressed with her I’m glad others have that chance also!

John K.

October 12, 2018

Angel, my dear friend who is so very special in her love for her family,friends,farm,and the alpaca.
Producing spectacular alpaca products from the fleece of her alpaca.
My blessing to call her my friend.

John

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